Method and apparatus for forming cylindrical shapes

ABSTRACT

This disclosure relates to the forming of cylindrical shapes on end portions of tubing and severing the same from the tubing. A length of tubing is supported in projecting relation and surrounded by a die, after which a mandrel is first moved axially into the tubing to expand the same and thereafter, while the mandrel is rotating, the mandrel is shifted transversely or radially to bead the tubing. The mandrel, when shifted transversely, may also be utilized to simultaneously size the expanded portion of the tubing and to sever the formed cylindrical shape from the length of tubing. Thereafter, the mandrel is first moved back to its original axis and withdrawn from the formed shape, after which the die is opened so as to automatically release the formed shape.

United States Patent Vaill [54] METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING CYLINDRICAL SHAPES [72] Inventor: John L. Vaill, Cheshire, Conn.

[73] Assignee: The Torrington Company, Torrington,

Conn.

[22] Filed: Aug. 22, 1969 [21] App]. No.1 852,197

[52] US. Cl ..72/71l, 72/294, 72/370 [51] Int. Cl. ..B21b17/02, B21b 43/28 [58] Field of Search ..72/71, 72, 74, 113,126, 204,

[56] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS 3,364,709 1/ 1968 Scann ..72/7l 3,290,914 12/1966 Vaill et a1. ....72/117 3,236,104 2/1966 Pape ...72/370 3,122,830 3/1964 Dawson et a1. ..72/370 2,185,939 1/1940 Deshon et a1 ...72/126 2,038,274 4/1936 Fitzsimmons... ..72/125 1,478,692 12/ l 923 Baranoff .72/ 72 1,696,229 12/1928 Fantz ..72/126 51 Mar. M, 11972 Primary Examiner-Charles W. Lanham Assistant Examiner-Michael J. Keenan Attorney-Fr'ank S. Troidl and David W. Tibbott [5 7] ABSTRACT This disclosure relates to the forming of cylindrical shapes on end portions of tubing and severing the same from the tubing. A length of tubing is supported in projecting relation and surrounded by a die, after which a mandrel is first moved axially into the tubing to expand the same and thereafter, while the mandrel is rotating, the mandrel is shifted transversely or radially to bead the tubing. The mandrel, when shifted transversely, may also be utilized to simultaneously size the expanded portion of the tubing and to sever the formed cylindrical shape from the length of tubing. Thereafter, the mandrel is first moved back to its original axis and withdrawn from the formed shape, after which the die is opened so as to automatically release the formed shape.

1 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures Patmtd March 14, 19M

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6 snww smm 1 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING CYLINDRICAL SI-IAlPlES This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in the forming of cylindrical shapes from lengths of tubing, and more particularly relates to a method of and apparatus for forming such cylindrical shapes.

In accordance with this invention, it is desired to work upon a length of tubing in a manner wherein an end portion of the tubing is expanded followed by the external beading thereof and the severing of the worked upon portion of the tubing from the remainder thereof. All of this is accomplished automatically in a single continuous operation.

In the past it has been well known to form a cylindrical shape by axially moving a mandrel into an end portion of a length of tubing while the same is positioned within a die and thereafter radially offsetting the individual forming rolls of the mandrel to shape the tubing in accordance with the die. Such an apparatus and method is disclosed in the patent to John L. Vaill and Frank W. Scan entitled Method and Apparatus for Forming Cylindrical Shapes, US. Pat. No. 3,290,914, granted Dec. 13, 1966.

It is also well known to sever rings from a length of tubing by clamping the tubing with an end portion thereof projecting beyond the clamp, axially projecting a mandrel into the length of tubing, and then radially or transversely offsetting the mandrel so as to effect a severing of the projecting portion of the tubing. Furthermore, if it is desired to size the ring before it is severed from the tubing, a sizing die is forced over the tubing in advance of the entry of the mandrel thereinto. Such an apparatus is disclosed in the patent to Frank W. Scan entitled Machine Tool for Fabricating Tubular Member, US. Pat. No, 3,364,709, issued Jan. 23, 1968.

This invention has to do with both the forming of cylindrical shapes, as is disclosed broadly in the aforementioned Vail], et al. patent and the severing of the cylindrical shapes from the tubing of which they are originally parts, as is taught in the aforementioned patent to Scan. Furthermore, in accordance with this invention, it is proposed to first increase the diameter of an end portion of the tubing portion to be formed and thereafter in a single operation, externally head the tubing portion, size the expanded portion and sever the formed cylindrical member from the tubing.

Basically, the apparatus of this invention includes a clamp for clamping a length of tubing in a fixed position with an end portion thereof projecting through the clamp into the apparatus. The projecting end portion of the tubing is surrounded by a die. A mandrel having suitable portions thereon for beading the tubing, sizing the tubing and severing the tubing is initially positioned in axial alignment with both the clamp and the die. The mandrel is supported for rotation initially about its original axis and means are provided for shifting the axis of the mandrel transversely as it is rotated. The mandrel is first axially forced into the tubing so as to expand at least one end portion of the tubing, after which the mandrel is transversely shifted so as to progressively bead the tubing and during a terminal portion of the beading operation, progressively sever the shaped portion of the tubing from the remainder of the tubing and size the expanded portion thereof.

With the above and other objects in view that will hereinafter appear, the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description, the appended claims and the several views illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of this invention with portions thereof broken away and shown in sectron.

FIG. 2 is an end elevational view taken generally along the line 22 of FIG. I with portions thereof broken away and shown in section and more specifically illustrates the details of the apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view taken along the section line 3--3 of FIG. 1 and shows the specific details of the mounting and driving of the mandrel.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken through the end portion of the mandrel.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 3 and shows specifically the internal construction of the apparatus at the instant the length of tubing is axially positioned within the machine.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view showing the mandrel after it has been axially advanced into the tubing end portion to expand the extreme end part thereof.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 6 and shows the mandrel moved to the extremity of its offset position at which time the formation of the cylindrical shape has been completed and the cylindrical shape has been severed from the tubing.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the various operating components of the machine including generally the hydraulic system thereof.

FIGS. 9, 10 and II are fragmentary sectional views of other shapes which may be formed.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that the apparatus or machine includes a main frame or base 10 which supports all of the elements of the machine. The base 10 has projecting upwardly from a table portion 11 thereof at the right end thereof, as viewed in FIG. 1, a vertical frame member 12. At the opposite end of the table 11 there is a second upstanding frame member 13. The upper portions of the frame members 12 and 13 are connected together by transversely spaced longitudinally extending tie rods 14.

The frame member 13 has mounted in the left hand portion thereof for vertical movement in opposed relation an upper clamping block 15 and a lower clamping block 16. The clamping block I5 is carried by a holder 17 which, in turn, is carried by a piston rod 18 of a vertically disposed fluid motor or cylinder 20 which is mounted on the upper part of the frame member 13. In a like manner, the lower clamping block 16 is carried by a clamp holder 21 which is supported by a piston rod 22 of a vertically disposed fluid motor or cylinder 23 which depends from and is secured to the lower portion of the frame member 13.

The right hand portion of the frame member 113 has a pair of horizontally disposed die block slides mounted therein above and below the intended line of movement of the tubing 24. The die block slides include an upper die block slide 25 and a lower die block slide 26.

Referring now to FIG. 2 in particular, it will be seen that the die block slides 25 and 26 have mounted therein for horizontal sliding movement a left hand die block 27 and a right hand die block 28. The die block 27 is carried by a holder 29 which is secured to a piston rod 30 of a horizontally disposed fluid motor or cylinder 31. The die block 28 is carried by a die block holder 32 which, in turn, is carried by a piston rod 33 of a horizontally disposed fluid motor or cylinder 34. It is to be noted that the fluid motors 31 and 34 are disposed in opposed relation and are suitably secured to opposite vertical faces of the frame member 13.

It is to be understood that the slides for the clamping blocks 15 and I6 and the slides for the die blocks 27 and 28 will be provided with suitable stop blocks (not shown) which will be engaged by the clamping blocks 15 and I6 and the die blocks 27 and 28 to assure the centering thereof when moved to their operative positions.

With particular reference to FIG. 5, it is to be noted that a vertically disposed stripper plate 36 is positioned between the clamping blocks 15 and 16 and the die blocks 27 and 28. The stripper plate 36 functions to assure the stripping of the tubing 24 from the clamping blocks 15 and 16..

As is clearly shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the frame member 13 also carries a tube stop 37 which is vertically displaceable and which is provided with a replaceable pad 38, as is shown in FIG. 5. The tube stop 37 is guided by a retainer 40 and is carried by the lower end of a piston rod 41 of a vertically disposed fluid motor or cylinder 42 which is mounted on the upper surface of the frame member 13 adjacent the fluid motor 20. It is to be noted that the tube stop 37 extends down below the path of movement of the tubing 24 and is further supported by a lower retainer 43.

The machine also includes a rotary head assembly, which is generally identified by the numeral 50 and is mounted on suitable way units 51 for sliding movement generally between the frame members 12 and 13.

Referring now to FIG. 3 in particular, it will be seen that the way units extend longitudinally of the base along opposite sides thereof and project upwardly from the upper surface of the table 11. Each way unit 51 includes a vertical plate 52 which has secured to the upper edge thereof in inwardly directed horizontal relation a plate 53. The plates 52 and 53 are braced at longitudinally spaced intervals by diagonal braces 54 which are also secured to the table 11.

The plate 53 has mounted thereon in overlying relation a rail or way 55. The rails or ways 55 support the weight of the rotary head assembly 50.

Each of the way units 51 also includes a longitudinally extending spacer 56 which overlies an outer portion of the plate 53. The spacer 56 has releaseably secured thereto an upper guide rail or way 57 which has a downwardly and inwardly sloping surface 58 which generally faces the upper surface of the rail or way 55. It is to be understood that the upper rails or ways 57 serve both to guide the rotary head assembly 50 against transverse movement and to restrict upward move- 7 ment thereof.

Basically, the rotary head assembly 50 includes a rotor housing 60 of a cross section best shown in FIG. 3. The rotor housing 60 has secured to the opposite sides thereof rotor housing rails 61 which are specifically configurated to rest upon the rails or ways 55 and to be guidedly engaged by the rails or ways 57 whereby the rotor housing 60 is mounted relative to the base 10 for longitudinal sliding movement only.

With particular reference to FIG. 1, it is to be noted that the rotor housing rails 61 extend rearwardly beyond the rotor housing 60 a considerable distance and have secured to the inner faces thereof transversely aligned plates 62 which, in turn, are joined together by a transverse beam 63. The beam 63, together with the rotor housing 60 and the rotor housing rails 61, form a rigid unit.

It is to be noted from FIG. 1 that the frame member 12 has mounted on the exposed end face thereof a horizontally disposed fluid motor or cylinder 64 which has a piston rod 64 extending through an opening 66 in the frame member 12. The left end of the piston rod 65 is provided with a bifurcated fitting 67 which is pivotally connected to a rotor slide tie bar 68 which is fixedly secured to the beam 63.

It will be readily apparent that the fluid motor 64, when actuated, will react on the beam 63 to effect sliding movement of the rotary head assembly 50 longitudinally of the base 10. Inasmuch as the fluid motor 64 is of the double acting type, it will be seen that it may be advantageously utilized to both advance and retract the rotary head assembly 50.

With particular reference to FIG. 5, it will be seen that the rotor housing 60 has mounted therein for continuous rotation a rotor 70, the rotor 70 being supported within the rotor housing 60 by suitable bearings 71. The bearings 71 are retained in place by a rear bearing plate 72 which has mounted thereon a balance plate 73 for the rotor 70.

In order that the rotor 70 may be driven, the rotor is provided with a rearwardly extending shaft 74. The shaft 74 is suitably secured to the rear central portion of the rotor 70 and is drivingly connected thereto by means of a key 75. The rotor shaft 74, intum, is provided with a multiple groove drive pulley 76.

Referring once again to FIGS. 1 and 3, it will be seen that there is secured to the underside of the rotor housing 60 a depending motor bracket 77 which supports a suitable motor 78. The motor 78 has a drive shaft 80 which is generally vertically aligned with the rear portion of the rotor shaft 74 and which has mounted thereon a multiple groove pulley 81 which is aligned with the pulley 76. The pulleys 76 and 81 are connected together by multiple drive belts 82.

It is to be noted that the table II has a central opening 83 therein through which the motor bracket 77 depends so that the motor bracket 77 and the motor 78 may be disposed within the base 10, as is clearly shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

It is also to be noted that inasmuch as the motor 78 travels with the rotor housing 60 as the rotary head assembly 50 is advanced or retracted by the action of the fluid motor 64, no problems of driving the rotor 70 are encountered.

Referring once again to FIG. 5 in particular, it will be seen that the rotor 70 has the left face thereof formed with a relatively large, generally rectangular opening 83. A work slide assembly, generally identified by the numeral 84, is mounted within the opening 83. The work slide unit 84 includes a housing or work slide 85 which is proportioned relative to the opening 83 so as to be free to move in one diametrical direction, but which is closely guided in a second diametrical direction disposed at right angles to the one diametrical direction. As is clearly shown in FIG. 3, the work slide 85 is guidingly retained within the opening in the rotor 70 by means of suitable guide units 86 which, of themselves, do not form a specific part of this invention and therefore, will not be described in more detail here.

The work slide 84 has mounted therein for relative rotation a spindle 87, the spindle 87 being supported by suitable radial bearings 88 and 89 and thrust bearings 90.

The right end of the spindle 87 is provided with a bearing retainer cap 91 which also has associated therewith a bearing cap 92 carried by the work slide 85. A suitable seal 93 is provided between the bearing caps 91 and 92.

At the left end thereof, as viewed in FIG. 5, the work slide 85 is provided with a front bearing cap 94. It will be readily apparent that the bearing caps cooperate in the usual manner so as to position the various bearingsand to retain the spindle in the desired position within the work slide 85.

The left end of the spindle 87 is provided with a socket 95 in which there is releaseably and replaceably positioned one end of a mandrel or arbor 96. The mandrel 96 is releaseably retained in place by means of a retainer 97 and is secured to the spindle 87 for rotation therewith by means of a key 98. The specific construction of the mandrel or arbor 96 will be described hereinafter.

It has been previously indicated that the work slide 84 is mounted within the rotor 70 for movement in a diametrical direction. This direction is vertical in FIGS. 3 and 5. The work slide 84 is normally urged to a lowermost position, as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 5, by means of a pair of return springs 100 which are carried by spring retainers 101 (FIG. 3). The springs 100 normally retain the work slide 85 in a position wherein the axis of the mandrel 96 is coaxial with the axis of the rotor 70.

In order to shift the axis of the mandrel 96 off-center in a vertical direction, as is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, there is provided an extensible fluid motor or cylinder 102. The fluidmotor 102 includes a cylinder 103 which is seated in a suitable recess 104 in the rotor 70 below the opening 83 in the rotor. The cylinder 103 is suitably fixedly secured to the rotor 70 in a stationary position. The cylinder 103 has mounted therein a piston 105 which is directly coupled to the work slide 84. It will be readily apparent that when the piston 105 is extended relative to the cylinder 103, the work slide 85 will be moved vertically compressing the springs 100 and shifting the axis of the mandrel 96 to an off-center or eccentric position. The effective stroke of the piston 105 may be controlled and limited by means of an adjusting screw 106 carried by the rotor 70 and engageable with the work slide 85. The adjusting screw 106 may be locked in an adjusted position by means of a set screw 107.

In order that the fluid motor 102 may be remotely actuated while the rotor 70 is rotating, the rotor shaft 74 is provided with a rotating union 108 to which a fluid line 110 is connected. The rotating union 108 is in communication with an axial passage 111 in the rotor shaft 74 to which tubing 112 is connected. The tubing 112 is connected by means of a fitting 113 to a fluid passage 114 formed in the rotor 70, which fluid passage 114 opens into a fluid passage 115 formed in the cylinder 103. A suitable sealing ring 116 is provided between the opposing surfaces of the rotor 70 and the cylinder 103 to seal the passages 114 and 155 against leakage.

At this time it is particularly pointed out that in the use of the machine, the rotary head assembly 50 is advanced a predetermined amount. Movement of the rotary head assembly 50 to the left is limited by means of a pair of stop pads 117 carried by the frame member 13 and a pair of stop blocks 118 carried by the rotor housing 60 at the forward ends of the rotor support rails 61.

Referring now to FIG. 4, it will be seen that the mandrel 96 is specifically configurated to include projecting portions of different diameters. These projecting portions include annular portion 120, annular portion 121, annular portion 122 and annular portion 123 which decrease in diameter in that order. Where desired, the annular portion 120 may be of a diameter to be utilized in the final sizing of a portion of the cylindrical shape being formed.

The annular portion 121 has removably mounted thereon an annular beading tool 124. The beading tool 124 abuts against the shoulder formed between the surface portions 120 and 121. It is also to be noted that the beading tool 124 projects to the left beyond the end of the annular portion 121.

The annular portion 122 has mounted thereon a shear spacer 125 which is in end abutting engagement with the left end of the beading tool 124. A shear blade 126 is also mounted on the annular portion 122. A shear washer 127 is mounted on the portion 123 and abuts against the shear blade 126 to retain the same in place. The annular portion 123 is externally threaded and has a nut 128 threadedly engaged thereon in abutment with the shear washer 127 so as to lock up the entire mandrel assembly.

With particular reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, it will be seen that the die block 27 is configurated so as to define together with the die block 28, a central cavity into which a projecting portion of the tubing 24 is to be shaped. The central cavity defined by the die blocks 27 and 28 includes a cylindrical portion 130 which is intended to snugly receive an expanded portion of the tubing and which is cooperative with the annular portion 120 of the mandrel 96 to effect a sizing of the expanded cylindrical portion.

To the left of the cylindrical portion 130, the cavity defined by the die blocks 27 and 28 include a bead defining cavity 131. The left end of the cavity defined by the die blocks 27 and 28 is of substantially the original diameter of the tubing 24 and is recessed at the extreme left end thereof and has positioned therein removable shear die halves 132, one die half 132 being carried by each of the die blocks 27 and 28.

OPERATION In the inoperative position of the apparatus, the rotary head assembly 50 is in its retracted position, the work slide as sembly is in its position aligned with the axis of rotation of the rotor 70, the die blocks 27 and 28 are opened and the clamp blocks and 16 are spaced apart. At the same time, the tubing stop 37 is in its lowered position ready to stop tubing, such as the tubing 24, when it is advanced into the machine,

The driving of the rotor 70 is initiated, after which a workpiece 24 is automatically fed into the machine in any desired manner with the feeding of the tubing 24 into the machine being premised upon the clamp blocks 15 and 16 and the die blocks 27 and 28 being in their fully opened positions, as indicated by limit switches LS4 and LS7.

After the tubing 24 has been advanced into engagement with the tubing stop 37, valve V1 is shifted so as to direct hydraulic fluid from the pump P1 to the fluid motors 20 and 23 to automatically bring together the clamp blocks 15 and 16 and thereby clamp the tubing 24 in place ready for the formation of a cylindrical shape. At the same time, valve V1 delivers fluid under pressure to the remote ends of the fluid motors 31 and 34 and urges the die blocks 27 and 28 together. Further, fluid is directed to the rod end of the fluid motor 42 so as to retract the tubing stop 37. The tubing 24 is now positioned in the machine with a portion thereof projecting beyond the clamp blocks 15 and 16 and positioned within the die blocks 27 and 28 for a forming operation.

At this time it is pointed out that although a single valve V1 has been illustrated as controlling the operations of the fluid motors 20 and 23, the fluid motors 31 and 34, and the fluid motor 32, if desired, separate valves may be provided for effecting the sequential operation of these motors. On the other hand, if it is so desired, a sequential movement of the clamp blocks 15 and 16, the die blocks 27 and 28 and the tubing stop 37 may be effected by the positioning of throttle valves in the lines leading from the valve V1 to the respective fluid motors.

When the clamp blocks 15 and 16 move to their closed positions, clamping the tubing 24, limit switch LS2 is closed while limit switch LS7 opens. In a like manner, when the die blocks 27 and 28 move to their tubing confining positions ready for cooperation with the mandrel 96 to effect the shaping of the projecting portion of the tubing 24, limit switch LS3 is closed while limit switch LS4 opens. When lirnit switchs LS2 and LS3 are closed, valve V2 is shifted from the illustrated neutral portion of FIG. 8 to the left wherein fluid under pressure from the pump P1 is supplied to the rod end of the fluid motor 64. As a result, the rotary head assembly 50 is moved to the left with the mandrel 96 being forcibly moved axially into the projecting end portion of the tubing in the manner shown in FIG. 6 until the stop blocks 118 come into engagement with the stop pads 117. At this time the mandrel or arbor 96 has reached the position illustrated in FIG. 6.

It is to be noted that when the rotary head assembly 50 has reached its fully advanced position, the free end portion of the tubing 24 has been expanded outwardly by the beading tool 124 and has balloned into substantial contact with the sizing portion 130 of the die blocks 27 and 28, and the beading tool 124 is now in alignment with the bead defining cavity 131 of the die blocks 27 and 28. At the same time, the shear blade 126 has freely moved within the tubing, 24 and is now in a position just to the left of the shear die halves 132 carried by the die blocks 27 and 28.

Returning to FIG. 8, it will be seen that when the rotary head assembly 50 has reached its fully advanced position to the left, limit switch LS8 is now closed, at which time the valve V3 will be shifted from its neutral position of FIG. 8 to the left so as to direct hydraulic fluid under pressure to the fluid motor 102 whereby shifting of the work slide assembly 84 within the rotary 70 will occur so as to offset the axis of the arbor 96 from the axis of rotation of the rotor 70. As the mandrel or arbor 96 is moved to an eccentric position, the beading tool 124 gradually externally beads the projecting portion of the tubing 24 until it matches the configuration of the bead defining cavity 131. At the same time, the shear blade 126 is cooperating with the shear die halves 132 to effect a flaring of an intermediate portion of the tubing 24 as at 134 while at the same time progressively shearing the portion of the tubing being formed from the remainder of the tubing 24. Substantially simultaneously the previously expanded portion of the tubing, which is identified by the numeral 135, is engaged by the annular portion and brought to bear against the sizing portion of the die blocks 27 and 28 to size the expanded cylindrical portion 135. The beading tool 124 at the same time reaches a point of full cooperation with the bead defining cavity 131 so as to finally form or shape an external bead 136. Still substantially simultaneously, the cut off of the duly formed cylindrical shape, which is identified by the numeral 137 is effected. It is to be noted that the portion of the cylindrical shape 137 to the left of the bead 136 remains substantially at the original diameter of the tubing 24 due to the retention thereof both by the shear die halves 132 and adjacent portions of the die blocks 27 and 28. The left hand portion of the cylindrical shape 137 is identified by the numeral 138.

It is also pointed out at this time that the clamp blocks 15 and 16 are provided with clearance as at 140 for the flared end portion of the tube 24, which results in the shearing of the cylindrical shape 137 from the tubing 24.

The offsetting or eccentricity of the mandrel 96 is controlled by the stop screw 106, as previously described. At the time the slide 85 engages the stop screw 106, limit switch LS9, which is normally closed, opens to actuate a timer and thereby effect a delayed deenergizing of the solenoid of valve V3, permitting the valve V3 to return to the right to its normal position whereby the springs 100 are effective to shift the mandrel 96 back to its in line position with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotor 70. The delayed deenergizing of the solenoid of valve V3 permits the arbor or mandrel 96 to rotate offcenter for a few revolutions to permit a true sizing or qualifying of the newly formed shape, the action of the arbor being that of an ironing motion.

When the work slide assembly 84 returns to its normal position, valve V2 is shifted to the right wherein fluid under pressure from the pump P1 is directed into the rod end of the fluid motor 64 so as to effect a retraction or movement to the right of the rotary head assembly 50, thereby withdrawing the mandrel 96 from the newly formed cylindrical shape 137. When the rotary head assembly 50 reaches its fully retracted position, limit switch LS6 is actuated to both permit the return of the valve V2 to its neutral position and to effect shifting of the valve Vl downwardly to the illustrated position of FIG. 8 in which position fluid under pressure from the pump P1 is directed to the rod ends of the fluid motors 20 and 23 and the fluid motors 31 and 34 so as to move the clamp blocks 15 and 16 and the die blocks 27 and 28 apart. At the same time, fluid under pressure is directed to the piston end of the fluid motor 42 so as to move the tubing stop 37 downwardly in position to stop the advance of the tubing 24 during the next advance thereof.

It is to be understood that inasmuch as the mandrel 96 is withdrawn from the cylindrical shape 137 prior to the opening of the die blocks 27 and 28, and since the die blocks 27 and 28 move horizontally, the newly formed cylindrical shape 137 will be released to drop downwardly, the lower guide rail 26 is shaped so as to direct the cylindrical shape 137 slightly to the right, as is viewed in FIG. 1, so as to direct the cylindrical shaped onto a chute 141 mounted within the base and out through an opening 142 formed in the side of the base 1 10.

The apparatus is now ready for the feeding of the tubing 24 into position for the forming of a next cylindrical shape in the manner described above.

It is to be understood that the specific controls for operating the various components of the apparatus in sequence are not in of themselves a novel part of the invention and therefore,

' no attempt has been made to specifically illustrate the electrical circuitry for operating the various valves in sequence. However, it is believed that the schematic illustration of FIG. 8, together with the foregoing description of the operation of the apparatus is sufficient for a basic understanding of the operation thereof.

At this time it is pointed out that it is also feasible for the machine to form precut lengths of tubing. If precut lengths of tubing are utilized, the clamping blocks and 16 and their associated components may be eliminated and suitable means must be provided for feeding the cut lengths of tubing into alignment with the die blocks 27 and 28. This may be accomplished in a conventional manner. It would also be necessary that the die blocks or some other component be provided to grip the tubing and retain it in place during the forming operation.

It is also to be understood that shapes other than that specifically illustrated in FIG. 7 may be formed with this machine. In FIG. 9 there is illustrated a cylindrical shape which is identified by the numeral 145. The cylindrical shape is similar to the cylindrical shape 137, but does not include a bead, such as the bead 136. It is to be noted that the left end of the cylindrical shape 145 is in the form of a cylindrical portion 146 which normally will be of the same diameter as the original diameter of the tubing. The right-hand portion 147 of the cylindrical shape 145 will be of an increased diameter as compared to the cylindrical portion 146. The cylindrical portions 146 and 147 are connected by an integral intermediate offset portion 148.

It is to be understood that the cylindrical shape 145 will be formed utilizing an arbor similar to the arbor 96, but wherein the beading tool 124 will be omitted.

The cylindrical shape 145 will be formed by an initial expanding operation through the axial movement of the mandrel 96, followed by a sizing of the cylindrical portion 147 and the cut off of the cylindrical shape from the tube of which it is initially a part.

Referring now to FIG. 10; it will be seen that there is illustrated a cylindrical shape which is generally identified by the numeral 150. The cylindrical shape 150 has a left hand cylindrical portion 151 which normally will be of the same diameter as the original tube. The cylindrical shape 150 also includes a cylindrical right hand portion 152 which is interrupted by an intermediate bead 153. The cylindrical portions 151 and 152 are integrally joined together by an intermediate offset portion 154.

In order to form the cylindrical shape 150, it will be necessary that the mandrel 96 be modified so that the beading tool is disposed on opposite sides of the annular portion which corresponds to the annular portion 120. It will also be necessary that the annular portion 120 will be receiveable within the original bore of the tubing.

In the forming of the cylindrical shape 150, the mandrel will be moved axially into the tubing so as to outwardly expand the right hand portion thereof, after which the mandrel will be partially retracted and then gradually radially offset so as to size, bead and cut off the tubular shape 150.

In FIG. 11 there is illustrated still another cylindrical shape which may be formed in accordance with this invention, the cylindrical shape being generally identified by the numeral 156. The cylindrical shape 156 has a left hand cylindrical portion 157 which is preferably of the same diameter as the original tubing. It also has a right hand cylindrical portion 158 which has been outwardly expanded. The cylindrical portions 157 and 158 are integrally connected by an intermediate offset portion 159. In addition, the extreme right end of the cylindrical portion 158 is outwardly flared as at 160.

It is to be understood that a mandrel construction having a flaring tool widely spaced from the shear blade will be required. When the mandrel is initially moved into the tubing, the flaring tool will effect the outward expansion of the tubing to form the cylindrical portion 158. Thereafter, the mandrel may be retracted so that the flaring tool is aligned with the right end portion of the tubing, followed by the gradual radial offsetting of the mandrel so as to effect both the flaring of the flared portion 160 and the cut 05 of the formed cylindrical shape.

It is further to be understood that each of the cylindrical shapes of FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 could be formed from a precut length of tubing with no further cutoff being required.

Although only a preferred embodiment of the invention has been specifically illustrated, it is to be understood that the various components of the apparatus may be modified so as to vary the cylindrical shape which is formed therewith. It is also to be understood that other modifications may be made in the apparatus such as structural details or controls for the operation thereof without departing from the spirit of the invention, as specifically illustrated and disclosed herein.

lclaim:

1. An apparatus for forming cylindrical shapes and severing the same from a length of tubing, said apparatus comprising clamp means for clamping tubing with an end portion thereof projecting therebeyond, die means for surrounding a projecting tube end portion, and mandrel means cooperable with said die means to size a part of the tube end portion, form an external bead on the tube end portion and sever the formed tube end portion in a continuous orbital operation around the axis of the tube,

wherein said mandrel means are carried by support means including axial positioning means for axially shifting and positioning said mandrel means relative to said die, transverse positioning means for transversely shifting said mandrel means when said mandrel means are transversely aligned with said die, and

rotating means for rotating said mandrel about the axis of said mandrel.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said mandrel means are generally horizontally disposed and include severing elements which expand the newly cut end of the tubing thereby facilitating the entry of said mandrel means therein in the forming of a next shape, and said die means are generally vertically split and horizontally separable whereby after a cylindrical shape is formed and severed and said mandrel means are withdrawn the formed cylindrical shape will automatically be discharged upon the opening of said die means.

3. A method of forming a cylindrical shape and severing the same from a length of tubing comprising the steps of forcing a mandrel axially into an end of a length of tubing to increase the cross section of the tubing, rotating the mandrel, orbiting the axis of rotation of the mandrel about the tube axis, sizing and externally beading the tubing to conform to a split die, severing the formed cylindrical shape from the tubing and expanding the newly cut end of the tubing thereby facilitating the entry of the mandrel into the tubing in the shaping of a next piece.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said mandrel means includes replaceable repositionable severing, sizing, and beading elements. 

1. An apparatus for forming cylindrical shapes and severing the same from a length of tubing, said apparatus comprising clamp means for clamping tubing with an end portion thereof projecting therebeyond, die means for surrounding a projecting tube end portion, and mandrel means cooperable with said die means to size a part of the tube end portion, form an external bead on the tube end portion and sever the formed tube end portion in a continuous orbital operation around the axis of the tube, wherein said mandrel means are carried by support means including axial positioning means for axially shifting and positioning said mandrel means relative to said die, transverse positioning means for transversely shifting said mandrel means when said mandrel means are transversely aligned with said die, and rotating means for rotating said mandrel about the axis of said mandrel.
 2. The apparatus oF claim 1 wherein said mandrel means are generally horizontally disposed and include severing elements which expand the newly cut end of the tubing thereby facilitating the entry of said mandrel means therein in the forming of a next shape, and said die means are generally vertically split and horizontally separable whereby after a cylindrical shape is formed and severed and said mandrel means are withdrawn the formed cylindrical shape will automatically be discharged upon the opening of said die means.
 3. A method of forming a cylindrical shape and severing the same from a length of tubing comprising the steps of forcing a mandrel axially into an end of a length of tubing to increase the cross section of the tubing, rotating the mandrel, orbiting the axis of rotation of the mandrel about the tube axis, sizing and externally beading the tubing to conform to a split die, severing the formed cylindrical shape from the tubing and expanding the newly cut end of the tubing thereby facilitating the entry of the mandrel into the tubing in the shaping of a next piece.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said mandrel means includes replaceable repositionable severing, sizing, and beading elements. 